Pursuant to Section 19 (b) of RA 9275 otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 and Rule 19.2 of DENR Administrative Order No. 2005- 10 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9275, and to provide a cohesive direction in integrating all the existing frameworks on water quality involving pollution from all sources and water quality related initiatives prepared by all government agencies and other stakeholders, the attached Integrated Water Quality Management Framework (IWQMF) is hereby adopted and promulgated for the guidance of all concerned.

Section 1. Basic Policy. It is the policy of the State to pursue economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the country's fresh, brackish and marine waters by formulating an integrated water quality management framework through proper delegation and effective coordination of functions and activities.

Sec. 2. Objective. This Order aims to provide a coherent direction towards water quality protection and improvement through a set of water quality management strategies, formulating an implementation plan, and presenting a mechanism for institutional and organizational capacity and coordination that will build consensus among implementers and stakeholders.

Sec. 3. Scope and Coverage. The IWQMF applies to all natural and man-made bodies of fresh, brackish, and saline waters, and includes, but is not limited to, aquifers, groundwater, springs, creeks, streams, rivers, ponds, lagoons, water reservoirs, lakes, bays, estuarine, coastal and marine waters.

Sec. 4. Lead Office. The Environmental Management Bureau shall take the lead in the implementation of the IWQMF in coordination with concerned DENR Offices, other government agencies and stakeholders. It shall ensure that the IWQMF shall be disseminated to all concerned for its proper implementation.

Sec. 6. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and its registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR).

(SGD.) RAMON J.P. PAJE
Secretary